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Monday, August 31, 2009

There were some issues with my blog this weekend. Crispy let me know that something was floating on my page. Well, not being computer savvy, I had the techy guy find out what was going on. It seems that the wallpaper that was on my blog (the cute little flowers) were from an account that was being overused (or something). Anyway, after a little detective work, the techy guy found the source of the problem and eradicated it . Ya-hoo! I don't like thingies floating around the face of my blog.

Jen over at Elefanz is having a Sewing Machine Cover challenge. Because of my foot, I did not think I would be able to participate in the sewing part. But on Friday I was ceased with a desire to create, and this is the product of my effort -

I've been needing a cover for my sewing machine for a long time, and Jen just gave me the incentive.

It's so fun to play with yo-yo's and buttons. And I am so glad to replace the plastic cover with this new one.

Thanks Jen! What a fun project. Pop over to Jen's blog and view the other covers that have been created.

Friday, August 28, 2009

How wonderful it has been to meet and make new friends here in blog land! When I started this blogging journey, I just had no idea what kind and generous people I would meet.

Today I received in the mail a very lovely surprise.

My friend Marydon over at Feedsack Fantasy sent me a little gift. She's been so sweet to me in the past, and knowing that I was kind of laid up with a sprained foot, she sent some bloggy love.

I am so excited to read the book "a Day with a Perfect Stranger". I've heard about this one, but have not read it yet. And some delish gourmet coffee (Candy Cane!!) to sip while I read. THE most adorable Vintage Button Greeting Cards and a very fragrant sachet. Marydon, I could smell this package when my son brought in the mail. Thank you Marydon for being such a sweet bloggy sister.

Also in the mail was a very sweet thank you note from Ronit of Two Hippos for my small contribution for the Miracle Foundation quilts she has been commissioned to make. She also sent me a little bit of textile love, which I appreciated.

And yesterday, I received from Kim a box of her scraps!!! Wow, how much fun it has been to go through her "so called" scraps. She has been most generous.

So I now have a book to read, and some fabrics to sort. It has been so hard to "not" do things that I really want and need to do. But having a little help from my friends certainly makes the process go a little easier.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Don't you just get so excited when you see that new quilting magazine in your mailbox? Looking for lots of ideas and inspiration.

Well today I received my October copy of "Quilter's World", and I was not disappointed.

And isn't it even more fun when there are quilt projects published by some of the very bloggers that we visit with every day??

I saw this quilt on Cottage Quilts Designs blog yesterday. I always like to read her blog, because I think we are quilting cousins (she's Cottage Quilts, and I'm Happy Cottage Quilter ;-) Anyway, when I got the magazine, I immediately went looking for this quilt. And is it a beauty.

AND then on page 87, there was this little beauty....

Now Wendy Sheppard is the sweetest gal around. She has visited my humble little blog and left the kindest comments. Her blog is Ivory Spring. Don't you just love that name? So refreshing and full of light. And please take a look at Wendy's incredible quilting here.

Okay so now I must sit down and put my foot up, sip on a glass of cold ice tea with a slice of lemon, and finish perusing all the wonderful fall projects in my latest magazine.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Today is the final Teacup Tuesday, hosted by Kim of Shabby, Pink and Pretty. Wow, there have been so many beautiful teacups that have swept across my screen. I know there are many more, but for today I'd like to share about a shelf that holds a few of my teacups.This shelf holds several very special teacups in my collection. I'll share a few with you.

The yellow rose one is so lovely, even though the cup handle is broken off. The handle is inside the cup and one day I will get around to fixing it.

The cups and the plates are different patterns, but they seem to compliment each other.

This shelf and china holds a place in my heart because it belonged to my very BFF. She was an avid collector of anything tea related. She especially loved English bone china, and enjoyed finding some very pretty pieces. We had been best friends for 20 years. She was the type of friend who always had a smile and loved unconditionally.She was never too busy to spend a little time with you. On September 26, 2004, during one of the wildest hurricane seasons that Florida has experienced, my very dear friend rode the wave of Hurricane Jeanne into the arms of Jesus.

"In my book of memories there is a pressed flower that fills a pageWith gentle fragrance lingering still,Though it's faded now with age.

The way my friend smiled and laughed,The many ways she cared,Are a legacy that she left behind in stories I love to share.

Monday, August 24, 2009

I enjoy picking up older quilting and craft publications. Although the fabrics and colors can be somewhat dated, they are a source of inspiration and patterns.

When I find these books at the library book store or thrift stores, I look them over to see if there is anything I think I could use.

I am not particularly artistic, so even the simplest patterns will find a home in my library.

I run into this book quite often. It was published in 1984 but the patterns are still usable for today.Remember the rosy posy type pattern that came out a couple of years ago? It was this basic design, but layered and sewn on top to make a raggy type quilt.

This one is cute for hand stitching.

So don't just walk past those older publications. You may find something that you can use in a fun little project.

Fiona over at Mother's Cupboard has shared a beautiful table runner pattern that you might like to check out. It is her gift to you.

And while you are out and about, be sure to check out this lovely little giveaway over at Calamity Jane's Cottage. Bonnie is very generous.

And one last bit of stitchy news, check out Bloom's blog to read about the Stitchers Angel project. There are seven designers sharing stitching patterns all with a "rose" theme. Two have already been released and they are very cute projects.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Well each day seems that my sprained foot is a little better. But still, I am very limited in what I can do. Standing too long, or even not elevating my foot brings on a little bit of swelling.

So I found the knitting needles and watched a youtube instructional. Amazingly, I remembered how to do the basic stitches.

I've only been knitting one row and then purling the next. Just taking the time to practice the stitches. There are several mistakes along the way, but at least it has given me something to do while I wait on the mend.

I've also taken time to do a little blog surfing. It is certainly amazing how many talented and creative people are out there. Like Trends and Traditions (be sure to check out Heather's giveaway!) When I started this blog, my intention was to share my quilting adventure. I don't have an etsy shop, I don't do ebay, and I also don't advertise to monetize. I would really like to keep the Happy Cottage Quilter a blog for my creative endeavors. So with all this time that I have had on the computer, I thought I would try adding another blog for the treasure/thrifting posts. You are all invited to surf on over to Just a Little Southern Hospitality, and pay me a visit over there :-) Please be sure to leave a comment, so I know you stopped by. If I could, I would offer you a tall glass of sweet Iced Tea and a seat on the swing. We could chat for a while and enjoy a lovely sunset.

Friday, August 21, 2009

You know that sometimes a name will conjure up pictures in your mind. Past experience will start the mind computer and run the video.

A rose will conjure up this -

For sewers the name Bernina brings something like this to mind -

Let's just say "Paducah" and what do you think of?? Well if you have been there, and you are a quilter, you think of the annual Quilt show. Or the Quilting museum. We don't tend to think of all the historical background of this little town.

Or if I were to say Ford or Chevy, somehow I don't think this is the picture that you would conjure up in your mind ..........

And of course there are some double meanings for certain names. I mean after all, I am sure the people at NASA do NOT consider a UFO to have anything to do with textile ;-)

Names are important. They hold in place either a person, a place, or even a thing. And they bring to mind a history or a memory.

I have read somewhere that a person's name is the sweetest sound. Have you ever noticed when you are in a crowded room, that if someone calls your name, you will turn and look. Or respond in some way.

I have an unusual name. It has always caused a tongue stumble for most people. I remember when I was a little girl how people would stumble over my name. I have been called Jacklyn, Joycelyn, Joshelin and many other variations. I've learned through the years to just answer if they are anywhere close. I have a nickname that I'm called by my family and friends, but there is always an explanation that goes along with it.

I guess for years I did not like my name, but it was mostly because people would (excuse the expression) butcher it. I liked my nickname as it was easier and I felt like it could just roll of the tongue. So much so that now when people call me by my "real" name it sometimes feel odd, or like it isn't really me. As I have gotten older, I am feeling more comfortable in my own skin and now I enjoy my name. It is unique, and you don't hear it everywhere you go.

So I just had to get on my bandwagon. It's been hard to not do things while I wait for my foot to heal. It is my driving foot, which also is my machine driving foot :-( I hope you don't mind my banter :-) It's nice to have a place to share thoughts, even when they are not quilt related.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

My plans had been to visit a couple of quilt stores that I found online while my dear hubby was at his meetings. Well, of course the best laid plans just went poof when the curb slipped out from under my foot. But my dear sweet hubby did not want me to miss out on at least one quilt shop visit.

So on Saturday afternoon we piled into the car and headed to this place........

Such a cute little quilt shop in Jackson Georgia. I was able to hobble around and at least look at the lovely fabrics.

My ds took a couple of pictures while he patiently waited for Mom to hobble around the little rooms.Now one thing that I did NOT expect to find in this little quilt shop in this little town was this -

The owner of the shop asked me if I had ever seen the Irish Quilting magazine before. I told her no, but I had heard about it recently. She just went on and on about what a lovely magazine it was. And you know what? My dear sweet hubby bought one for me :-)

And here it is, in black and white and living color, the article about blogging,

with our very own Micki and Kim and Katherine.......... woo hoo! What fun it was to read all about the blogging world that has been such a gateway to meeting all of you!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Remember when Diane Gaudynski started her blog and we all got so excited about having the queen of machine quilting enter into blog land?? Well I recently found out that we have another royal entrant.

Bonnie Blue Quilts has to be one of my all time favorites when it comes to Civil War fabrics and patterns. And now Bonnie Blue has a blog! Mary Ellen, the gal who gets to sew all those beautiful quilts, is the blogger. Just getting to see some of those fabulous quilts and hearing about their travels will be a real treat!

And while I have your attention, Fabric Mom is having a fabulous giveaway on her blog. It's her 400th post and she is giving away a darling mini quilt, pincushion and some charms. The quilt even reminds me a little of a reproduction quilt.

Kelly has issued a challenge over at I HAVE A NOTION. Design name badges for Amy Butler and her staff! And if you win this challenge (which will be picked by Amy herself), there are lots of prizes! One would be seeing the name badges YOU designed proudly worn by Amy Butler and her team. AND you will be the featured designer on I Have A Notion as a "Spanked Out Designer". PLUS four patterns, Stationary and some surprise goodies from Amy (and Kelly). This challenge is only open to US participants because of time restrictions (sorry Khris).

Now if you have never been to Kelly's blog, you are in for a wonderful surprise. Kelly sells notions. But not just any kind of notions. Notions that keep the quilting/sewing fever raging. And she has probably got the best prices that I have seen around. So be sure to browse her blog and check her website for wonderful values.

Monday, August 17, 2009

This weekend, I took an unexpected trip with my dear hubby. He had planned an out of town trip, and I thought I would tag along and find some new quilt shops and antique malls.

Now when we go out of town, we sometimes like to pick up souvenirs from the areas that we visit. I think I mentioned once before that my daughter found a lovely teacup when we visited Canada several years ago. Sometimes I just pick a vintage treasure, or a unique piece of fabric.

But this trip was different. Because you see, THIS is the souvenir that I brought home with me this time.

Yep, this was my memento of our trip! All of the plans that I had, of going to two quilt shops, two antique malls went down the drain when I missed the curb and turned my foot and went down, down, down :-(

And you know what else I discovered during this trip. I found out that when you can't go anywhere, and you are stuck in a hotel room with an ice pack on your foot, you are hungry all the time! Did you know that?? I could not believe it! I mean, what else is there to do??

Saturday, August 15, 2009

I am a huge fan of the Pioneer Woman. I just can't believe how she gets so much done, and still has time for her Marlboro Man. She cooks, she decorates, she homeschools her children, she takes hundreds of pictures, and she reads what has to be thousands of comments on her blog. How does she do it all?

One thing I love is the Cooking segment of her blog. Don't you just love how she showcases all of her ingredients?

So today, I thought I would share a recipe with you. It may be one you are already familiar with, but our family found it last summer when we were staying with some friends in Illinois.

It's a quick, easy hash brown potato recipe that makes lots for company and is great for a pot luck dinner.

I crush up corn flakes and add it to the butter, and stir, stir, stir until the corn flakes are well mixed with the butter.

It should be about 2 cups. Spread corn flake mixture over the casserole.

And place in a 350 degree oven for 60 minutes.

After 60 minutes, take out of the oven and serve!

My family really loves this casserole. We enjoy it with grilled hamburgers, or as a compliment for breakfast eggs in the morning. It makes enough to take to a pot luck dinner. There are usually no left overs.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Recently, my dear daughter joined in with some of her friends to have a yard sale. She gathered up things that have been waiting to be re-homed, and set up for a selling spree with 3 other families.

Not too long after she set up at the host house, I get a phone call.

"Mom, there is a dresser here that I want you to come see. It is really neat, but I need you to take a look at it."

Okay, I sez......

So I got myself together, drove out to the said house, and looked at the dresser. It was an old dresser, that had some very lovely detailing. It smelled though, which is usually a put off for me. But my daughter really wanted it, to house the mountain of clothes that has invaded her room.

The price was right, and I told her to do a google search on how to take the smell out of the furniture. I was sure there was a way to take the moth ball smell out, as most good antique stores have ordorless very old pieces of furniture.

So this is what came to our house that afternoon.

It has the little wheels at the end of the legs, and little scrolly design on the top corners.

My daughter found out that kitty litter is good for taking out the ordor, so she bought some kind of cat product and spread newspaper in each drawer, and let it sit for a couple of days. She used Murphy Soap oil, and then a furniture oil to give it a nice finish.

And now it is sitting nicely in her room, adjusting well to the influx of clothing that were being orphaned in a laundry basket. They are much happier now.

So the moral of this story is, when you have a yard sale with other people, you are most certainly going to do some cross-shopping. I don't think my daughter actually made any profit at this sale, but she did profit by finding a nice piece of furniture. What is the saying, one man's trash is another man's treasure. In this case, it was one girls :-)

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